Living Life in the Mountains

Two months and 69 days. That is how I spent my summer in 2023 before I moved to New York City. I was a lifeguard at the summer camp I had grown up going to in Yosemite. And let me just say, this was the best summer of my life. Being up in the mountains, there is no phone service, so being disconnected from reality felt healing. I got to make genuine human connections without the distraction of my phone buzzing. I got to spend my days with my friends I have been close with for years, and make so many new relationships. The only applications I needed from my phone was my camera to capture the amazing views and beautiful people around me, and my downloaded music on Spotify.

My days consisted of laughing to silly jokes made from the campers, spending every free second I got swimming in the Tuolumne River, exploring Yosemite Valley on my days off, and sleeping in a small but cozy cabin tent. Part of my identity is this place. Being in the mountains makes me feel safe and allows me to be the best version of myself. The tall, tall trees all around, the flowing river, and the nature surrounding me makes me feel at home. I am calm here. Seven years at this summer camp has taught me the most valuable lessons, the random strangers I met there are now my family and all the experiences there have shaped me into the person I am today.

During my time here, I learned that it really is the small things that matter in life (as cheesy as it sounds it's true!) Seeing the spark in everyone's eyes when we're eating ice cream on a hot summer day, the first dip in the river, hugging my friends, and ending my night sitting by a campfire wondering where did all the time go. Where do you feel your most authentic self? It’s hard to believe that a physical place can actually bring out the best in me. Even though this is a place where I am once a year, the values I’ve learned here have truly transformed me into a more confident and grateful person.

If you haven't driven through Yosemite with your head out the window, now is the time to add that to your bucket list.